Over 200 Cats Found in Pasadena Storage Unit

Responding to a tip, animal control officials found hundreds of cats and two dogs being housed in a converted storage unit that measured approximately 600 square feet in Pasadena, Calif.

“They were found in crates, they were found in containers, there were cats found in a chain-linked area and there were free-roaming cats as well,” said Ricky Whitman of the Pasadena Humane Society. “They were absolutely everywhere.”

In addition to the 238 cats and two dogs in the unit, rescuers also found another 36 carcasses being kept in a freezer.

The Pasadena Humane Society, which was already at capacity with 150 cats, agreed to take in the animals and said that this is the worst case of hoarding its seen in its 108 year history.

The cats appeared to have been recently fed and watered, although the litter boxes, on the other hand, were another story leaving neighbors irritated by the odor coming from the building.

Tanya Regan, who is reportedly responsible for the cats, was cited last Wednesday and could face charges of animal abuse and neglect. She also had another nine cats and two dogs removed from her home.

However, she refused to give custody of the animals to the Humane Society, which could lead to a legal battle that could last up to 18 months.

“Ideally, we’d love to obtain custody of the cats – 100 percent,” said Pasadena Humane Society President and CEO Steve McNall. “The process can take a year to a year and a half and will be a heavy financial burden on the society.”

“This is an expensive situation for us,” Whitman said. “We will be housing these animals until the court case is resolved. It could be six months to a year that they will be housed here.”

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In a clear case of hoarding, why does the animal shelter have to ask for "permission" to take the cats? Since it will cost huge amounts of money they don't have, why do they have to get permission through the court? puzzling, our laws.

Diya, I'd agree with you except we don't know this woman's intent. When does this ever stop? The incident is old now, but it just keeps getting repeated! Just last night, it was on my nightly ABC news affiliate where a woman was being investigated for animal cruelty after over 60 dead animals were removed from her former home.......a house that she'd lived in with her son and it was foreclosed on. She simply moved out & left them there, inlcuding three LIVING cats, all so malnourished, nobody knows if they'll make it. Her "excuse"? She was fighting breast cancer & got laid off from her job in August. She claims the animals "just started dying" and she had no clue......thought it was from fleas "or something".

Back to this case..........yes, this woman is mentally ill, BUT she's refusing to relinquish the animals! That tells me she isn't nuts to the extent she doesn't think she has "rights" and wants to do what's in HER interests, not the animals!

yes she needs mental help but i don't think she need to go to prison for hoarding those cats. The system should just have the right to take away and give the custody to the humane society...no question need for Regan. Once she found out unable to care for those animals, Judge should automatic give custody to the humane society for the sake of the animals. put away the ego and custody fight in court and just think about the cats/animals future. This is just one of a bad example of mental sickness of animal hoarding.

Let's see what the courts will do, hopefully they will do the right thing and lock her up and for a long time. But, I have a feeling she will walk. She will do this again, she is a piece of crap and does not desirve a pet. Poor animals!!!

A lot of times it takes possible criminal charges to force individuals with this kind of problem to get help. If she makes the ultimate decision to waste the time and money of the good natured humane society for her own selfish miss guided reasons then yes she should face charges. Those charges should include fines and time spent in a treatment facility that will help her to learn better ways of managing her love for these animals. Perhaps instead of hoarding all these animals she could be encouraged to volunteer to work at places like the shelter. She should definitely be black listed from adopting any animals, and be monitored. My grandmother is a hoarder on all levels. This sort of thing comes from a deep rooted emotional problem. They are generally well intentioned, but letting their behavior go unchecked hurts them and those they love.

This is so unfortunate. I truly hope Tanya comes to the realization that she must relinquish rights to the animals for THEIR best interest. I hope this happens and the Pasadena Humane Society can concentrate on helping these animals become adoptable so they all can find loving, forever homes. Tanya needs help not criminal charges to understand one person cannot feasibly care for so many animals. A person of sound mind already knows this. Focus on helping her mental health to realize this so her hoarding actions are never repeated.